- New GM John Chayka has been active on the trade market and is expected to continue pursuing deals to capitalize on Toronto’s two-year Stanley Cup window
- Matthew Knies remains the centerpiece in trade discussions despite his team-friendly $7.7M contract through 2031, though Chayka would need an irresistible offer
- Anthony Stolarz is a prime trade candidate due to his reasonable $3.7M salary, playoff-contending team interest, and the Leafs’ depth at goaltender with Bobrovsky and prospect Akhtyamov waiting
- The Leafs possess the 2027 first-round pick (acquired in the Marner deal) and limited trade assets, making mid-tier players like depth forward David Joshua potential salary-cap facilitators in larger trades
- Top prospect Donovan Danford is likely to be included in any blockbuster trade if Chayka targets a prime-of-career player signed long-term
- Chayka’s aggressive approach suggests at least one of these five assets will move before the March trade deadline
Read the full story here: https://theleafsnation.com/news/top-5-toronto-maple-leafs-trade-candidates-2026-27